If Malzahn leaves before his contract ends, he’ll owe Auburn $500,000 for every year remaining on his contract. Likewise, if he is terminated without cause, Auburn would owe him $500,000 for each year left on his contract. If he is fired before the end of this season, he’d be paid the full $2.3 million of his annual deal.

If Malzahn is fired with cause, such as NCAA violations or academic misconduct, Auburn would not have to pay the coach anything. Much as the NCAA has shifted a heavier burden on head coaches for the actions of their assistants and staff, Auburn has it written into Malzahn’s contract that he is responsible for “all persons under his control or subject to his control or authority.”

There are a variety of bonuses written into his deal, including but not limited to $100,000 for being named the SEC coach of the year and $500,000 for winning the national championship.